Casanova Vol. 2 #1Review

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Casanova Quinn returns in full color glory.

By Jesse Schedeen

Editor's Note: We're always experimenting with our content here at IGN Comics, and we've recently introduced a second style of review we're calling a "Quick Take." These shorter reviews allow us to check in on titles that we've recently explored at length or acknowledge series that might not be at the forefront of reader interest. This is our way of attempting to keep our volume and variety of content up while still focusing our attention on what you care about the most. As always, your feedback is welcome.

This industry is crawling with quality books that never receive the love they deserve. Matt Fraction's indy gem Casanova used to number among them, but it's received new life at Marvel's Icon imprint. This first issue collects the original Casanova #1 and 2 in one package, with the addition of a full color spectrum, new lettering, and a bonus backup feature illustrated by Fabio Moon. There's plenty here to entice returning fans as well as the uninitiated. Fraction is at his most unfiltered, deranged, and kinetically charged with Casanova. Reading the series for the first time can sometimes be akin to smacking into a brick wall of frantic storytelling, but with the new format, first-time readers at least have more to chew on in their first outing.

As much as I adored the original Image series' two-tone color scheme, I have to admit the new colors are a boon to Casanova. They lend more depth and vibrancy to Gabriel Ba's pencils. The scene of Casanova falling back into his original timeline alone shows how much the new color treatment can aid the series. Ba's work is clearly more rough around the edges than his more recent material, but the same core level of craft is still there. The backup feature is even more visually dynamic and a very welcome bonus. Only the new lettering leaves me a bit cold, as it often appears squished and out of place atop the original art and word balloons. Though occasionally a little obtuse and confusing, Casanova is a delightfully crazy sci-fi romp and a great addition to the Icon line. Don't make the mistake of passing it up a second time.